Generic Cimzia

Is a Generic Version of Cimzia Available?

Cimzia^® (certolizumab pegol) is a prescription medication that belongs to a group of drugs known as tumor necrosis factor blockers. It is approved for treating Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

 

Cimzia is manufactured by UCB, Inc. Technically, Cimzia is considered to be a "biologic" and is, therefore, under different rules and laws than most other medications. At this point, current laws and regulations do not allow for generic biologics (including generic Cimzia) to be manufactured.

 

When Will a Generic Form Be Available?

This is a difficult question to answer. Unless the laws and rules are changed, generic Cimzia may never be available. However, it is likely that these rules and laws will be changed in the future. At this time, it is impossible to predict when a generic version of Cimzia may be available.

 

Is Certolizumab Pegol a Generic Cimzia?

The answer is no. Certolizumab pegol is the active ingredient in Cimzia but is not a generic version of the medication. What can be confusing is that, oftentimes, the active ingredient of any drug is referred to as the "generic name." The generic name is different from a generic version of a medicine. In order for there to be a generic version of a medicine, the original medicine must have gone off patent, and another company besides the original manufacturer must make the product.